Water Quality, Sanitation Practices, and Public Health Outcomes in Major Urban Areas of Nigeria (A Comparative Analysis)

With rapid urbanization, major urban centres in developing countries face complex challenges related to water quality, sanitation practices, and public health outcomes. This review paper investigates the relationship between water quality, sanitation practices, and public health outcomes in major urban areas of Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, and Enugu, Nigeria. The study comprehensively analyses water quality indicators (pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, lead, coliform bacteria, etc.). It examines sanitation practices, including access to sanitation facilities and waste management. The review synthesizes data from multiple studies conducted between 2022 and 2023. Findings indicate significant pollution levels with many water quality parameters exceeding standards, including WHO and FEPA. Inadequate sanitation facilities and poor waste management practices are prevalent, leading to high incidences of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid fever, and cholera. The study underscores the need for improved water management, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and comprehensive public health interventions. Recommendations include regular monitoring, public-private partnerships, and policy reforms to address the root causes of waterborne diseases and promote sustainable urban development.